RIP to a legend -- Helio Gracie

Bullshido.net would like to extend its sympathies to the Gracie family and everyone in the Martial Arts world who, like us, had the utmost respect and admiration for a true pioneer of the arts.

Helio Gracie was a man dedicated to his family and his art and brought the two together in a way that changed the world. Roughly 40 years ago, he started teaching Jiu-jitsu to his sons. Less than 20 years later, his son Royce stood toe to toe against men twice his size, and provided a wake-up call to all Martial Artists that it wasn't so much about what you trained, but how you trained it.

All the dubious Martial Arts "Halls of Fame" with their un-noteworthy inductees and pay-to-play conniving should now be on notice for what legacy a true legend of the MA world leaves in his wake; tens of thousands of hard-training men and women, on mats and in cages around the world, proving themselves against each other.

January 29th will be Helio Gracie day here on Bullshido, in memory of a man who did more for the Martial Arts than any movie star, more than anyone whose legend was built on anecdote and hearsay. Grandmaster Gracie's legend, as any true legend in the Martial Arts should be, comes from his contribution to making people everywhere, better fighters. He left a legacy that will endure for as long as there is a single kid out there willing to put in years of sweat, pain, and punishment to be good at Jiu-jitsu.

It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsuís success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at home, in the district of Itaipava, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.